Johnson hopes to stick around
Practice squad promotee spent time with first team offense Saturday
Wide receiver Marcus Johnson spent a chunk of time with the first-team Eagles offense at practice Saturday.
The undrafted Texas product who spent last season on the practice squad made the most of it as he earned the praise of teammates and offensive coordinator Frank Reich during the Birds’ first practice in shoulder pads and helmets.
To be fair, Johnson wasn’t the only one to tee off on the defense. Quarterback Carson Wentz was also sharp, primarily in the short passing game.
Each day of practice Wentz seems to take a little more control of the offense, putting his stamp on it incrementally. The second-year product of North Dakota State was on target most of the day.
“If you compare him from this time last year to this year there’s a huge difference,” Eagles tight end Zach Ertz said of Wentz. “I mean, he’s such a Type A personality.
“He’s such a Type A personality. He wants to be motivating people each and every day. I think now he’s just so confident and comfortable in his role. I think he’s looked phenomenal so far.” – Eagles tight end Zach Ertz on Carson Wentz
And for him to just kind of have to wait in the wings, I don’t think that was very comfortable for him, to be behind Sam (Bradford) and Chase (Daniel) at this time last year. He wants to be motivating people each and every day. I think now he’s just so confident and comfortable in his role. I think he’s looked phenomenal so far.”
Johnson (6-1, 204) was the recipient of Wentz’s praise as he set the tone early, stepping in to give Alshon Jeffery a break. The year Johnson spent learning taught him about urgency.
“Last year the first day of pads I pulled my quad,” Johnson said. “I felt like I was doing really well at the time and unfortunately, I really had to do some self-reflecting. I just took advantage of the time I had when I was hurt, when I got cut and when I came back. So I bring that mentality every day, understanding that you not only have to take care of your body but you understand the time frame of it and how necessary it is to go out and take it so serious and prepare the proper way.”
Johnson’s efforts were no surprise to Ertz, who has seen his teammate improve throughout the offseason.
“Marcus Johnson looked great today,” Ertz said. “He had a big day. He showed a lot this spring and this summer so far. We’re really excited about him. We’ve got a lot of talent at the position. I think as a unit that wide receiver group is going to be really good for us this year.”